Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are two linear switches that stand out for their unique characteristics. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a highly responsive typing experience accentuated by its crisp, high-pitched sound. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize feedback and quick responsiveness in their typing without the additional friction often associated with heavier keys. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro, known for its long pole design, offers a snappy sound signature that adds a lively, crisp quality to keystrokes while maintaining a smooth actuation. With a variety of auditory characteristics such as being bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky, the Piano Pro provides a more varied auditory experience that can enhance typing enjoyment. Both switches cater to different preferences; whether you lean towards the light and bright Chiikawa or the smooth yet snappy Piano Pro, each switch offers distinct advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is evident that the top housings are made from different materials: polycarbonate for the Chiikawa and nylon for the V3 Piano Pro. The use of polycarbonate in the Chiikawa's top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, largely due to its stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity. This makes the Chiikawa particularly effective for users who gravitate towards a more pronounced and vibrant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate offers a visual enhancement. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound, as its softer characteristics absorb more sound energy, creating a rounder acoustics that caters to those who prefer a smoother typing experience.
Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which leads to similarities in the sound profile produced by the bottom portion of the switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound signature of both switches, allowing for a duller and more muted experience that emphasizes a softer impact when bottoming out. This shared quality means that when pressed, users can expect a deeper, richer tonal experience from both the Chiikawa and the V3 Piano Pro. The nylon's ability to absorb sound delivers a consistent feel across both switches, allowing typists to enjoy a fuller auditory experience regardless of which switch they use.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro diverge in their top housing materials, they share a commonality in their nylon bottom housings which affects the overall sound experience when typing. The differences in the top housing lend themselves to distinct sonic profiles—one being sharp and resonant, while the other is mellow and rounded. However, because the bottom housing is identical in both switches, users can expect a cohesive and complementary sound experience that combines the virtues of each material. Therefore, despite their differences, enthusiasts can achieve an engaging typing experience with either switch depending on their audio preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing feel that caters to those who prefer a lighter touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro requires a bit more pressure at 55 grams. This indicates that while the initial actuation feels similar and light for both switches, users of the V3 Piano Pro will experience a slightly heavier feel when fully bottoming out. Consequently, if you're looking for an overall lighter typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g would be preferable, whereas the V3 Piano Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when fully engaging the key.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the Chiikawa measures 3.6 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa is the longer switch of the two, providing a more pronounced key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. The Akko V3 Piano Pro, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter distance, which can facilitate quicker response times—an appealing quality for gamers seeking rapid key actuation. For users who favor a swift and responsive feel, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro may be a better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press might lean towards the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Chiikawa. Ultimately, the decision between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding key depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 45g for $3.29.
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright and responsive auditory profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound with each keystroke. This allows for a satisfying typing experience, where the auditory feedback can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. In comparison, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch features a snappy sound signature that is described as clacky and resonant. This switch offers a sharp, percussive auditory experience as well, which contributes to a lively and engaging typing session. While both switches provide a refreshing auditory feedback, the Chiikawa may lean towards a brighter tone while the V3 Piano Pro adds a clackiness that many typists find appealing.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, which creates a swift and responsive typing experience, but detailed descriptors of its tactile feedback are not provided. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is noted for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky characteristics. This implies an exceptionally smooth and lively feel when typing, as the spring-like feedback allows for a satisfying rebound effect. The combination of the smooth motion—likely enhanced through factory lubing—and the overall dynamic experience sets the V3 Piano Pro apart when it comes to tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, making them well-suited for different preferences. The Chiikawa is ideal for those who enjoy a crisp and bright sound along with a lightweight feel, while the V3 Piano Pro caters to those who appreciate a more complex auditory experience paired with smooth and lively tactile feedback. If you seek switches that deliver vibrant sounds and satisfying feels, you can expect favorable results from both options, albeit with their own unique twists in performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who values a very light actuation force and a bright, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light feel and responsive characteristics make it ideal for those who enjoy rapid keystrokes, whether for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer bottom-out force coupled with a smooth, bouncy, and creamy typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would suit you well. The snappy and clacky sound signature alongside its polished feel provides an engaging auditory and tactile experience that might enhance your enjoyment during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the right switch for you hinges on whether you prioritize a lighter, brighter experience or a polished, bouncy, and slightly firmer touch—consider what aspects matter most to you in your daily use.
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